Car pulling to the right after changing shocks and springs.

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

My 2014 ford flex is pulling to the right a little bit after I changed the shocks and springs front and back (H&R lowering springs if it matters and OEM shock bearings). I had front end alignment done and it still pulls. My steering shaft U joint is so rusty its loose and floppy and that could be the issue?

 

[The Critic]

Are the springs correctly clocked?

 

[50yr Street Mech]

The shot steering shaft U joint is a safety concern. I would have that replaced. Lowering it started the problem, their lies the problem I would think. You opened up a can of worms. I used to raise suspensions back in the day, and always had a problem with alignments after I did that....But..I was just a kid and held on to the wheel. I didn't care. Now, at my age, it would be most annoying. Best of luck figuring this out . Sorry I can't be more helpful ........

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Are the springs correctly clocked?

I am assuming so, I mounted them on the shocks when they were off the car and there a stop at the bottom of the shock where they wedge in.

 

[mattd]

What were your caster and camber readings from the alignment ?

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

What were your caster and camber readings from the alignment ?

They said their printer didn't work.
Here is their handy work:

 

[Trav]

Slide the outer clamp down carefully put a small thin screwdriver under the boot and spray some WD40 in there before turning it straight.
Hacks always do crap like this, they couldn't care less, I would show the manager this picture.

 

[Japanese]

Did you tighten the shocks' upper and lower nuts and bolts when the vehicle was already off the lift/stands on the ground?

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

No

 

[Japanese]

When you do the final tightening of the upper and lower nuts on the shocks the vehicle should be on its own weight - either on the ground or you should jack up each lower control arm and tighten the nuts when the shock and spring are compressed.

https://teinusa-blog.com/applying-suspension-preload/

The first thing you want to do is lift the car back up. Them loosen the bolts on the control arm and shock absorber. Once in the air use a second jack to apply load on the control arm. This simulates as if the car was on the ground and the control arm is back to its original position. Then re- tighten all the bolts loosen in the previous step. Follow this process with all four corners, then bring the vehicle back down. If you follow these instructions, this should help get the vehicle to the correct ride height.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Retightned my strut tower bolts to proper torque.
Tightened the strut mount to shocknrod mounting bolt too(100 ftlbs)